Construction of Dai Ngai Bridge over Hau River, connecting the Mekong Delta’s provinces of Tra Vinh and Soc Trang was officially kicked off on October 15 at the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Considered a vital coastal transport route connecting localities in the Mekong Delta region, the 15km-long traffic project will help shorten the travel distance from Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau to HCM City by 80km compared to the current route along National Highway No1.

Once completion, it will be the third cable-stayed bridge spanning Hau River, besides Can Tho and Vam Cong bridges, which helps facilitate traffic along National Highway No 60 in the region.

With a total investment capital of some VND8 trillion (nearly $328 million) from the State budget, the construction is expected to finish in 2026.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, PM Chinh appreciated efforts made by the Ministry of Transport and relevant ministries and sectors to have had drastic directions and effective measures to accelerate preparation works so the construction could start 11 months ahead of schedule.

He also praised the efforts of the local authorities in land clearance and in proposing comprehensive solutions to expedite the project as well as local people for their contributions, including the allocation of land and housing for the project's land clearance.

The Dai Ngai Bridge construction project was identified as a significant component of the Road Development Planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision toward 2050 approved by the Prime Minister and aimed to gradually complete the transportation infrastructure to serve the strategy of eradicating poverty and achieving economic growth in the Mekong Delta region.